Dampte visited Radio Universe in Ghana on the 19th of march where he was interviewed alongside colleague and rap artiste, Shorty Ace who also featured on his ‘LosGidi Certified’ debut album. Radio Universe is Radio station for University of Ghana, Legon.Today, 20th March he would also be performing in Ghana to kick off promotional activity for the ‘Los Gidi Certified’ album that was released March 17th..

Dampte’s debut studio album was released on the 17th of March 2011. The album titled ‘Los Gidi Certified’ is a double sided CD with 19 tracks audio CD and a video CD.

“DAMPTE” was born in Lagos, Nigeria. The first of five (5) children, he finished his High School education at Scottfield High in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State, Nigeria. In 1999, Dampte recorded his first single titled “J-E-S-U-S” featuring Wreck of BLUSKULL and Rocksteady of the now defunct 2nd AVENUE. Dampte, a gifted artiste who blends rap with African folklores and undertones, released another hit single “Wine Your Tinkolo” featuring YQ.

The audio CD in addition to containing the hit single from Dampte – ‘wine your tinkolo’ featuring YQ has 18 other tracks with the recently released ‘Ski Ski’ where the artiste raps about giving a woman the good life – trips and treat. Other tracks to watch out for on the album are ‘Lagos Party’ featuring Shorty Ace; ‘Street magic’; ‘Omoele’ and ‘Mr. Go Get Her’. The CD also enjoys support and feature appearances from DJ Don X, Late Da grin, Joey Plus and YQ.

Digital copy of the album is available for purchase at his reverbnation account – www.reverbnation.com/realdampte. [click on link to buy]

An autograph signing session with friends and star artistes is been planned.

If case you missed, The news broke last week and it has been getting mixed reactions that Da Grin was involved with a witch, she conributed to his rise to stardowm and financial success.

Witch whose name is Esther Falodun recently claims in a CD titled ‘Asiri Nla (Big secret)’ that is selling in Lagos that she has helped politicians and entertainer attain success. The witch named Former President Obasanjo, Babaginda, Actress Fathia Balogun and Late Rap artiste, Da Grin as individuals who she has helped attain success ‘spiritually’. The video shows the wicth beaten and confessing her alliance with the politicians and celebrities. He also said in the video that Da Grin’s life was taken (claiming she cut his life short) after the ghastly motor accident because he refused to follow through with his part of the arrangement. .

His management have shutdown the confession. Many believe her confession to be staged and mischievous

The late rapper Da Grin was hospitalized at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Idi Araba after he was involved in a collison on the 14th of April 2010 and days after passed on. However Months before, precisely on the 17th of February 2010, M.I, Naeto C and the late Da Grin recorded a remix to one of the singles on DJ Neptune’s Eva Blazin album. Eva Blazin album would be released later in the year 2011.

DJ Neptune has decided to make a mixtape with songs from Naeto C, M.I and Da Grin to celebrate the life of the late Da Grin. The mixtape is titled “Best Alliance In Hip Hop Da Mixtape Movie”

“This mix tape is dedicated to Da Grin as 17th, February 2011 makes it a year I recorded his verse and last time I saw him”, DJ Neptune said.

Download here.

Manager for late rapper Da Grin, Tunde sent a press statement calling for boycott of the Dagrin’s movie early last week. The movie titled Ghetto Creamz is put together by Stingomania Entertainment led by Mr. Ope Banwo.

Though the producers have been in touch with Da Grin’s family, the rapper’s label was in the dark until after the press release. Producer of the movie, Mr. Ope Banwo had a meeting at the late father’s attorney office and Tunde, Dagrin’s manager was in attendance.

“The only mistake they made was that they were contacting the family lawyer instead of informing us first” Tunde reportedly said. An undisclosed amount was given to the family at the meeting with a contract that says the family gets 20% of the proceeds from the movie while 10% will be the charity set up in the name of the Late rap artiste.

I caught up with Ksolo some days back, and it was quite interesting meeting with one of the best music producers in the music industry. K Solo who climbed his way to fame after hitting d bull’s eye following successful Timaya’s first album which he produced, disclosed his little misunderstanding and breakup (music wise) with Timaya in this interview, and what he has been up to, even though he seemed to be prevaricating.

QUICK FLASHBACK: K Solo who many knew after producing Timaya’s first album, has been in the industry for long. The self acclaimed hit magician has been producing for the likes of Sunny Nneji, Paul Play and others before he met Timaya. K Solo back then discovered Timaya in Port harcourt after, Timaya ended up as runner up at a talent hunt show. They both came to Lagos to start music business fully, and their hustle resulted into the widely successful album.

Jimmy: Hello bro

Ksolo: hey Jimmy how u dey

Jimmy: I’m good thanks. Like you were part of the artistes/producers that shaped last year, considering the album you released last year and couple of hit tracks you produced for the likes of Ajasa, Timaya, Banky W and many others. What should we be expecting from you this year?

Ksolo: New songs and hits. Like you asking dr. Dre that same question. He’s made for hits and that’s what it is. No dragging with anybody. Im working on omobaba’s new album, GT da guitarman too and so many others.

Jimmy: In 2009, you released an album titled ‘my way’ and in 2010 you released a reloaded version of the last album titled ‘my way reloaded. What was the concept behind that?

Ksolo: I added old tracks that wasn’t on my way album to my way reloaded where i featured Ajasa, Sound Sultan, Timaya, W4, Klever Jay,Side 1, Konga, Da-Grin.

Jimmy: How well was the album accepted in the market

Ksolo: you know Nigerian musicians have not grown to know where their strength lies. It is well accepted outside lagos. You know lagos don’t know good sound, they get hooked by sound that don’t keep you on your feet. But even the first album is still selling in Portharcourt, Abuja and other places.

Jimmy:Many peole know you more as a producer than an artiste. We have the likes of terry g, don jazzy, I.d cabassa producing and singing at the same time. What inspired you to start singing

Ksolo: (laughs) inspired!! Have been singing since I was a kid. I started with singing in church, and started making money with production, and now im back as an artiste.

Jimmy: How well is your relationship with other music producers?

Ksolo: am close to all of them. Cabasa, don jazzy, Jsleek, spanky, cobhams, puffy t, ojb, sheyman are all my friends.

Jimmy: You will like to open up on any clash u’ve had with a colleague in the industry?

Ksolo: It will never happen. I call all of them time to time.

Jimmy: who would you like to produce in future?

Ksolo: God will tell

Jimmy: I heard you worked with Da grin before he passed on?

Ksolo: Yes we were working on the remix of pon pon pon which I guess will be part of his album coming out 2011

Jimmy: Noticed you produced less tracks on timaya’s second and third album considering the lion share u got in the production of his first album

Ksolo: Yes there is always a break in between an album. How can you drop 2 albums in a year, but the boy was busy running after other artistes when one is still blowing so I concluded not working with him anymore. And everyone can see how the album is doing. Next am sure he will release another one. For relationship, we are still very cordial, only that our music relationship is over

Jimmy: but you produced some tracks off his last album, like his hit track; plantain boy.

Ksolo: I produced 5 tracks for him in 2009, before the music break up which plantain boy was part of it. He has released 3 tracks out of it.

Jimmy: as an icon in the music industry, what do you think is missing in the industry?

Ksolo: we need one regulatory body to put us on track and rules

Jimmy: what of the likes of COSON and others?

Ksolo: Just one body, no divided body

Jimmy: Thanks for the short interview

Must listen: Blame it, Diary, If I should die, Nightmares, Champagne and rum, Names and Remix.

A great rap album is with catchy, melodious enough records to keep the average listener interested, a lyricism to make the most passive boom bap hiphop faithful listen and enough ego trips for the young bred of skinny jeans and Young Money hiphop ‘buff’.

The Past, Present and Future (PPF) is that album from an over eight years rapping persona.

A-Q is conscious with an inept understanding of delivery – taking a beat with extreme technicality that is very visible.

Like all great orators — stand-up comedians, politicians, preachers or marketers — emcees are at their best when they’re grounded in a unique point of view, an arresting way of seeing, digesting, synthesizing, and explaining the world that’s somewhat cohesive at its core.

The Past, Present and Future (PPF) is A-Q’s official debut album but like he gives away in ‘Diary’, There was a LP before PPF. The Past, Present and Future in that regard is not a test but the outcome of years of writing and recording as expected it is a gem, shining diamond.

The past, present and future is a rounded rap album, rightfully it is the best RAP album put forward by a Nigerian last year. I’m stating my reasons. There are three contenders for the best album last year – Terry tha rapman’s BANS, Sauce Kid’s African American (shut your mouth, please) and MI’s MI2. Yes, Vector’s State of surprise does not make my top 3 list.. BANS is an album where the rapper was bothered about his relevance as a pack from the ‘Old bunch’ and an almost desperate desire for commerce – put out a commercial viable material hence doesn’t explore the good of the album in the right direction, putting that to the side and if AQ didn’t release an album – BANS would most likely be the best album this year. Sauce Kid was the closest a rapper came to rapping before now – cocky, arrogant and an extreme ego – just wanting a great beat to come on and saying so much over it – it worked but if only half of the album was not giving as free download via the internet, the collective record/album was largely like a magazine with stale but brilliant articles – mostly playful.. The cohesion of the records and the ‘African American’ theme also rose a bit of concern.

Download snippet of his next single – [download id="41"] due out in February.

Where I guess you would disagree with me mostly, MI2.MI2 is not the best RAP album made last year, I won’t give my reasons in this article.

A-Q’s The Past, Present and Future is a rap artifact, it is a dizzying trip into the tightly wound mind of one of the Nigeria’s all-time lyricists. An ego trip typical of every lyricist, a sensitive rapper in tracks like ‘Found love’ and ‘Diary’ then a revealing of a candid in ‘If I should die’.

Notable is the sampling on the album where Victor Iwaifo was sampled for ‘Unbreakable’ with and Newbie Retta’s ‘Kolo for you’ on Diary

A-Q is controversy defined as evident in the tracks names (single where he called out Ruggedman, calling him whack) and Diary, where he mentioned DJ tee in a ‘girlfriend cheating ways’ record.

His rap verse were accompanied by a fine hook from Xtrim, a label mate on ‘Sold out’, just after ‘Sold out’, the album gets really interesting. A party is started on the next track with plans to ‘tear the club up’ then another stand out slash brilliant track follows, Blame it ‘on hiphop that drove me crazy’, A-Q admonishes. A track that samples legendary Victor ‘Waifo follows then he talks about finding affection on ‘Found love’, just as the title suggest.. He switches to a conscious character as he talks about ‘people everday’ and ‘internet hustler’. Tells a quick ego trip, talking about a lavish life, ‘what it gon’ cost me? I pay cash’ he ask on ‘More money, more flossing. He invites Terry Tha Rapman and ends in grand style – ‘nightmares’ enjoys a rocky feel and’ If I should die’ inspired by late rapper, Da Grin and late American rapper Guru features a brilliant delivery from both artistes ( A-Q and Squeeze). A-Q’s not about making money but making histories as he raps on the track with Squeeze – he might be doing so with this record.

Bad side? The problem with A-Q as an MC at this exact moment is that like all undermined but blissfully great and conceited MC, his core worldview, by necessity, is a mess.

Buy Album from Nigerianhiphop.net and it would be available for purchase on interswitch powered digital store – zoodrums.com. Buy with your interswitch card here..

Follow AQ on Twitter: @Thisisaq

Weeks ago, A song performed by the late rap artiste Da Grin was circulated around titled ‘Kondo Remix’. The producer of the said track speaking exclusively to Questionmarkmag.com informs it is not the remix. The leaked version had verses done by Da Grin over the beat of a song originally done by Konga which also features the late rapper before he passed on April 22nd 2010 . The producer LayLow stressing he was compelled by clamour from the press that the song was recorded for his album project titled ‘9jabreed’ featuring star talents like Naeto C, Gino, Sossick, Dark poet, Shank, YQ and E jay. He however informs that there would be a remix for the late rapper’s hit single – Kondo on Da Grin’s post mortem album tentatively titled ‘Bullet proof’

Veteran movie director, Lancelot Imasuen is not be conjuring a script put together by friends, industry colleague mixed with a bit of imagination to entertain audience. The movie titled ‘Ghetto Dream’ is a memorial and tribute movie on the time and life of late rap artiste, Da Grin.

The movie powered by Stingomania Entertainment recruited Lancelot Imaseun as director and in a landmark move, he met with the father of the late rap artiste. Da Grin’s father has given a nod to the biopic and his input on the life and times of his son is considered paramount to make the movie.

His father has been talking to the producer for very minimal fine tuning to the script so it would clearly and absolutely tell of the late artiste’s life.

Speaking on the involvement of the late artiste’s father, Lancelot Imasuen said, “I’m of the opinion that when you want to look into an epic work like this, talking about the deeds of some heroic deeds of some individual, you must be able to have more than enough to put on the table and all of that.”

The search for an actor to play the role of Da Grin is ongoing and the movie would feature both upcoming and established artistes and friends of the artiste.
‘Ghetto Dream’ will profile in a touching way the true life story and experiences of Dagrin: the development, struggles, breakthrough and death of Dagrin.

“The movie, Ghetto Dreams will serve the dual purpose of immortalizing
Dagrin and at the same time provide some financial consolation to the
family of Dagrin who have been largely ignored by the various
commercial projects based on the life and works of Dagrin. A portion
(20%) of the net proceeds from this movie will go towards donations
for the family of Dagrin, while another 20% will go towards the
endowment for the Ghetto Dreams Foundation in honor of Dagrin.
The movie will be premiered at major theaters in different locations
at home and abroad.” Samuel Olatunji, publicist for Stingomania Entertainment informed.

Renowned Director, Lancelot Imasuen would be directing a memorial and biographical film on the late Olaitan ‘Da Grin’ Olanepekun. The film financed by Stingomania Entertainment is titled ‘Ghetto Dreams’ would tell the story of the late rap artiste. The film will chronicle the growing years of Dagrin, his struggles, his rise to fame and his death.

The choice of the respected film director has been hailed.

The movie is just one of the ways Stingomania Record would be immortalizing the legacy and memories of the late artiste.

The Dagrin Memorial Project, amongst other things will ensure that the family Dagrin left behind is catered for and the loss is made more bearable for his family in a tangible measurable manner. The memorial project will also provide a lasting structure and means to encourage upcoming, struggling and budding entertainment stars, while helping talented artistes deal with the different challenges and lack of resources limiting them from fulfilling their potential and set up a foundation to provide assistance for upcoming and struggling musicians with limited means and poor backgrounds to realize their ambition. The foundation will provide help for young musicians in areas of Finance, Training and Mentoring. All these were ideals the late musician stood for.

Late Da grin and his ‘thank God’ collaborator, Omawumi topped this year’s NEA awards nomination list released a week ago. Wonder woman, Omawumi who in the past years has never been nominated in the awards grabbed 5 nomination with surprise, followed by the late rapper Da Grin, Tuface and Kefee claiming 4 nominations with his penultimate album, CEO. BMCC tribeca performing art centre in New york city is the pride of place where the prestigious event will be staged this time around. NEAwards is known for its wide coverage of the Nigerian entertainment industry. The 5th annual NEA awards taking place on September 18th, 2010 has got more categories included, touching some parts of the Nigerian entertainment industry such as: TV and radio personalty, fashion, gameshow/reality shows with this year’s nomination list having Jim Iyke, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Ekeinde, Frank Rajah Arase, Andre Blaze, Dorisha Brick George,Adaure Achumba amongst others.

NEA is an initiative of Tope Esan. Voting started July 9, 2010 and ends by August 31st. To vote for your favourite nominees, go to www.nigeriaentawards.com

AWARD CATEGORIES:

BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Mushin 2 Mohits – Wande Coal
CEO- Da Grin
Wonder Woman-Omawumi
Unstoppable-Tuface

HOTTEST SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Kondo- Da Grin
Kokoroko – Kefee ft. timaya
Omoba- D Prince
Free Madness- Terry G
Bad- Wande Coal

BEST NEW ACT OF THE YEAR
Jaywon
D’Prince
Jesse Jagz
Lami
Omawumi

GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
KSB
Kefee
Bouqui
lara George
Kore

INDIGENOUS ARTIST OF THE YEAR
ASA
Nneka
9ice
Pasuma
Jesse King

BEST POP/R&B ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Banky W
Wande Coal
Chuddy K
Omawumi
P Square

BEST RAP ACT OF THE YEAR
Jesse Jagz
Modenine
M.I.
Da’Grin
Naeto C

BEST SOUL/NEO SOUL ACT OF THE YEAR
Tuface
Lami
EVA
Nneka
Toba Gold

BEST COLLABORATION WITH VOCALS
Born Champion- Pype ft. Dagrin, Vector, Naeto C, Sasha & GT
koroko – Kefee ft Timaya
E No Easy P Square ft J Martins
Nobody- Tuface ft M.I.
Thank God- DaGrin ft Omawumi

BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST
Wale
Keno
JJC
Kas
Moeazy

MUSIC PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Don Jazzy
So Sick
J. Sleek
Dokta Frabz
Cobhams

BEST INTERNATIONAL PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Kid Konnect
Dogmites
JJC
Mictunes

BEST MALE MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (ARTIST & DIRECTOR)
One day- eLDee/eLDee
Fall in love- Dbanj/Sesan
Implication- Tuface/unknown
Lagos Party- Banky/Kemi Adetiba
E no easy- P Square ft. J. Martins/Jude Okoye

BEST FEMALE MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (ARTIST & DIRECTOR)
You know it- Goldie/Clarence Peters
Today na today- Omawumi/Kemi Adetiba
If u want me- mocheddah/Clarence Peters
Know- Lami/Brandon
Kokoroko – Kefee ft. Timaya/Wudland

BEST ACTOR IN A FILM/SHORT STORY
Ramsey Noauh – Guilty Pleasure
Jim Iyke – The Shepherd / Dream Maker
Femi Adebayo/ Ifederu
Desmond Elliot – Before the light
Kayode Akinbayo/ Bi a ti ko

BEST ACTRESS IN A FILM/SHORT STORY
Nse Etim – Reloaded
Ini Edo – Native so
Genevieve Nnaji- Silent Scandal
Stephanie Okereke-Nnenda
Omotola Jolade – Deepest of dreams

BEST FILM (DIRECTOR)
The Figurine by Kunle Afolayan
Guilty Pleasure – Daniel Adenimokan and Desmond Elliot
Nnenda – Izu Ojukwu
Silent Scandal -T.K. Falope
Behind a Smile -by Frank Rajah Arase

BEST ACTRESS IN TV SERIES/REALITY/GAME SHOW
Genevieve Nnaji/Guiness Ultimate Survivor-Celebrity edition
Bimbo Akintola/Circle of 3
Kate Henshaw Nuttal/Circle of 3
Damilola Adegbite/Tinsel
Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi/Tinsel

BEST ACTOR IN TV SERIES/REALITY/GAME SHOW
Frank Edohor- who wants to be a millionaire
Kayode Peters- Flat Mates
Gideon Okeke/Tinsel

BEST ON SCREEN PERSONALITY (PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD)
Denrele
Ill
Andre blaze
Dorisha brick George
Adaure Achumba

BEST TV SERIES/REALITY SHOW/GAME SHOW
Half Sisters
Circle 3
Tinsel
Star quest
Gulder Ultimate search

INTERNATIONAL EVENT OF THE YEAR (TO A PROMOTER)
Thisday Music Festival
UK Naija Carnival
Arise Fashion Week New York
Ovation Red Carol
Miss Nigeria in America

BEST WORLD DJ
DJ DeeMoney
DJ MightyMike
DJ Vinny
DJ Stramborrella
DJ Ike
DJ Xclusive

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY
Rhythm 93.7- Ik (Wild Child)
99.9 beat fm- Toolz
Top Radio- Tosyn Buknor
Beat FM- Olisa Adibua
Inspiratiom fm- Dan foster

BEST COMEDIAN
Seyi Law
Wale Gate
Jedi
AY
I Go Die

FASHION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Deola sagoe
Alvins
Momo couture
Adebayo jones
Ouch!

ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Nduka Obiagbena
Cecil Hammond
Keke and D1
Dele Momodu
Obi Asika

MOST PROMISING ACT TO WATCH
Chuddy K
D’Prince
Eva
Femi Adeyinka
Mo’Cheddah